ServSafe certification is the food safety training program developed by the National Restaurant Association that teaches restaurant workers how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illness. It’s the most widely recognized credential in the industry, and depending on where you operate, it may be required by law.
This guide covers the different certification types, who on your team needs them, how to get certified, and what it costs.
What is ServSafe certification?
ServSafe is the leading food and beverage safety training program in the United States, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The program teaches food workers and managers how to prevent foodborne illness, handle food safely, and meet health code requirements. You might see it spelled “SafeServe” or “Serve Safe” online, but they all refer to the same certification.
The curriculum covers proper food storage temperatures, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and cleaning procedures. Because ServSafe is nationally recognized, your team’s credentials transfer if they move to a new employer or relocate to a different state.
- Who created it: National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
- What it covers: Food safety principles, preventing foodborne illness, proper food handling, and sanitation
- Why it exists: To protect public health and help restaurants meet health department requirements
Why ServSafe certification matters for your restaurant
Staying compliant with health codes
Many states and local jurisdictions require at least one certified food protection manager on-site during operating hours. Some require certification for every employee who handles food. The rules vary widely, so what’s required in Texas looks different from California or New York.
Check with your local health department to find out exactly what your operation requires. Getting caught without proper certifications during an inspection can mean fines, failed inspections, or temporary closure.
Reducing the risk of foodborne illness
A single foodborne illness outbreak can shut down your restaurant for days and damage your reputation for years. Proper training helps your team understand the “why” behind food safety rules, not just the “what.”
When your line cooks know that chicken hits 165°F because that temperature kills salmonella, they’re more likely to actually check temperatures during a busy Friday rush.
Building customer trust
Guests notice when your team handles food with care. They see the gloves, the handwashing, the clean stations. A visible commitment to food safety builds confidence, and confidence brings people back.
Helping employees advance their careers
For your hourly staff, ServSafe certification can open doors. Certified employees often qualify for promotions, higher pay, and better job opportunities at other restaurants. That’s a retention tool for you and a career boost for them.
ServSafe Manager certification vs food handler certification
This is where most people get confused. ServSafe offers different certifications for different roles, and the requirements aren’t the same.
| Feature | ServSafe Manager | ServSafe Food Handler |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Managers, supervisors, chefs | All food service employees |
| Exam format | 90 questions, proctored | 40 questions, often self-paced |
| Passing score | 75% or higher | 75% or higher |
| Validity period | 5 years (varies by state) | 3 years (varies by state) |
| Common requirement | Person-in-charge | All food handlers |
ServSafe Manager certification
The Manager certification is the more advanced credential for anyone responsible for food safety decisions in your operation. It covers HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), food safety management systems, and regulatory compliance. Most jurisdictions require the “person-in-charge” during each shift to hold this certification.
The exam is comprehensive: 90 questions covering everything from receiving and storage to preparation and service. You’ll need a live proctor, either in-person or through online proctoring.
ServSafe Food Handler certification
The Food Handler certification is the entry-level credential for anyone who handles, prepares, or serves food. It covers the basics: personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, time and temperature control, and cleaning procedures.
The assessment is shorter at 40 questions and often doesn’t require a proctor, making it easier to complete during onboarding.
Which certification do you need?
Your role determines which certification you need. Managers, supervisors, and chefs typically need the Manager certification. Front-line staff like servers, line cooks, prep cooks, and hosts usually need the Food Handler certification.
Some states require both. Others have their own state-specific programs in addition to ServSafe. Always verify with your local health department before assuming you’re covered.
Who needs to be ServSafe certified?
State and local requirements
Requirements vary significantly by state, county, and even city. Some states require one certified manager per shift. Others require one per establishment. Some require every food handler to be certified within 30 days of hire, like California’s requirements.
Don’t assume your requirements are the same as the restaurant down the street, especially if they’re in a different county. Check your local health department’s website for specific rules.
Employer requirements
Many restaurant chains and franchises require ServSafe certification beyond what the law mandates. If you’re operating multiple locations, standardizing on ServSafe across all of them simplifies training and ensures consistency.
Roles that typically require certification
- Kitchen managers and executive chefs: Usually need Manager certification
- Shift supervisors: Often need Manager certification if they’re person-in-charge
- Line cooks and prep cooks: Typically need Food Handler certification
- Servers and hosts: Food Handler certification in most cases
- Bartenders: Food Handler certification, plus ServSafe Alcohol in some states
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How to get ServSafe certified
1. Choose your certification type
Decide between Manager and Food Handler based on your role and local requirements. ServSafe also offers Alcohol certification separately if your state requires responsible beverage service training.
2. Decide on training
Training is recommended but not required to sit for the exam. You have options:
- Self-study: Purchase the official ServSafe textbook and prepare on your own
- Online course: ServSafe offers official online training through their website
- In-person class: Classroom training through approved providers like restaurant associations or community colleges
- Employer-provided: Some restaurants bring trainers on-site for group sessions
3. Register for the exam
You can register through ServSafe.com or through an approved proctor or testing center. You’ll need to provide ID and payment at registration.
4. Take the proctored exam
The Manager exam requires a live proctor, either in-person at a testing center or online through virtual proctoring. For online proctoring, you’ll need a computer with a webcam, stable internet, and a quiet room.
The Food Handler assessment may be self-proctored depending on your state, which means you can complete it entirely online at your own pace.
5. Receive your certificate
Results are typically available immediately for online exams or within a few days for paper exams. You can access and print your certificate through the ServSafe portal. If you ever lose it, use the Certificate Lookup tool on the ServSafe website to retrieve it.
How much does ServSafe certification cost
Exam fees
If you self-study, you can purchase just the exam. The Manager exam costs more than the Food Handler assessment. Prices change periodically, so check the current rates on ServSafe.com.
Training course costs
Official ServSafe courses typically bundle the exam fee with the training. Third-party providers vary in cost. In-person classroom training usually costs more than online self-paced options, though some people find the structure helpful for staying focused.
Free and low-cost options
- Employer-paid: Many restaurants cover certification costs for their team
- Workforce development programs: Some states offer subsidized food safety training
- Self-study: If you only pay for the exam, you can keep costs down by using free study resources online
How long does ServSafe certification last
ServSafe Manager certification is typically valid for five years. ServSafe Food Handler certification is typically valid for three years. However, your state or local jurisdiction may require more frequent renewal, so always check local regulations.
Recertification requires retaking the exam. There’s no continuing education option to extend your certification. Plan ahead so you’re not scrambling when expiration dates approach.
- Manager certification: Usually valid five years nationally, but check state requirements
- Food Handler certification: Usually valid for three years
- Recertification: Requires retaking the exam before expiration
Where to get ServSafe certified
Online certification
ServSafe offers online proctored exams through their website. You’ll need a webcam, stable internet, a quiet room, and valid ID. This option works well for busy restaurant schedules since your team can test when it fits their availability.
Food Handler certification can often be completed entirely online, from training through assessment.
In-person testing locations
Community colleges, culinary schools, and restaurant associations often host ServSafe exams. Some third-party providers offer on-site group testing at your restaurant, which can be convenient if you’re certifying multiple employees at once.
Use the ServSafe website to find approved testing locations near you.
How to prepare for the ServSafe exam
Study materials and resources
- ServSafe textbook: The official study guide from the National Restaurant Association
- Online practice tests: Available through ServSafe.com and third-party sites
- Mobile app: Look for study apps for on-the-go review
- Study guides: Condensed review materials for quick prep before the exam
Passing score requirements
Both the Manager and Food Handler exams require a 75% score to pass. The Manager exam is more rigorous with 90 questions covering a broader range of topics.
If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam. There may be a waiting period and you’ll pay the exam fee again.
Tips to help your team pass
- Schedule study time: Give employees paid time to study before the exam, even an hour makes a difference
- Group study sessions: Consider bringing a trainer on-site for team prep
- Focus on high-impact topics: Time and temperature control, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene show up frequently
- Practice tests: Have staff take practice exams to identify weak areas before the real thing
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Keep your team certified and on the schedule
Certification isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing management responsibility. With multiple employees holding certifications that expire at different times, tracking who’s current and who needs renewal can get messy fast.
Spreadsheets work, but they’re easy to forget. Building certification tracking into your employee profiles keeps everything visible. Tools like 7shifts let you store certification info alongside schedules and team communication, so you can see at a glance who’s compliant and who’s coming up for renewal.
Tired of tracking certifications in spreadsheets? Start a free trial of 7shifts to keep employee records, schedules, and team communication in one place.
FAQs about ServSafe certification
Can I take the ServSafe exam without completing a training course?
Yes. Training is recommended but not required to sit for the exam. You can self-study using official ServSafe materials or third-party resources and then register for the exam only.
How long does it take to complete ServSafe certification?
The Food Handler course can typically be completed in a few hours. The Manager certification course takes longer, usually a full day for in-person training, and the exam itself is timed at about two hours.
What happens if I fail the ServSafe Manager exam?
You can retake the exam, but there may be a waiting period and you’ll pay the exam fee again. Check with your proctor for specific retake policies.
Is ServSafe certification valid in all states?
ServSafe is accredited nationally through ANSI and CFP, so it’s accepted in most states. However, some states have additional requirements or their own certification programs. Always verify with your local health department.
How do I find my ServSafe certificate if I lost it?
You can look up and reprint your certificate through the ServSafe website using the Certificate Lookup tool. You’ll need your name and the date you took the exam.
Rebecca Hebert, Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert
Sales Development Representative
Rebecca Hebert is a former restaurant industry professional with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience leading teams in fast-paced hospitality environments. Rebecca brings that firsthand knowledge to the tech side of the industry, helping restaurants streamline their operations with purpose-built workforce management solutions. As an active contributor to expansion efforts, she’s passionate about empowering restaurateurs with tools that genuinely support their day-to-day operations.
